American Board of Wound Management (ABWM) Certifications

About the American Board of Wound Management (ABWM)

The American Board of Wound Management (ABWM), is a voluntary, not-for-profit organization established for the purpose of credentialing multidisciplinary professionals in the field of wound management. ABWM offers three certifications that are nationally accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA):

About the Certification Examinations

The purpose of the American Board of Wound Management is to administer a certification process that elevates the standard of care across the continuum of wound management. The ABWM is dedicated to a multi-disciplinary approach in promoting prevention.

Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA)

Eligibility
The CWCA exam is open to:

Healthcare professionals with at least 3 years of wound care experience

Sales and marketing professional in the wound care industry with at least 3 years of wound care experience

Note: Candidates with a professional license applying for the CWCA must possess a full and unrestricted professional license in at least one state and in all states in which the candidate currently practices.

*In lieu of having 3 or more years of clinical wound care experience, candidates may complete a fellowship of at least one year in duration that is certified by a credentialing organization, and supply a letter of recommendation from the fellowship program director and a CWS that was actively involved in the wound care training.

Cost
The CWS exam fee is $575.

Format
The CWS exam is a computer-based exam that contains 150 multiple choice questions, given over a period of 3.5 hours.

Certified Wound Specialist – Physician (CWSP)

MD’s, DO’s and DPM’s with three or more years of clinical wound care experience*.

Note: Candidates must possess a full and unrestricted professional license in at least one state and in all states in which the candidate currently practices.

Examples: Physicians and podiatrists.

*In lieu of having 3 or more years of clinical wound care experience, candidates may complete a fellowship of at least one year in duration that is certified by a credentialing organization, and supply a letter of recommendation from the fellowship program director and a CWS that was actively involved in the wound care training.

Cost
The CWSP exam fee is $995.

Format
The CWSP exam is a computer-based exam that contains 180 multiple choice questions, given over a period of 4 hours.

How to Get Certified

Complete applications will include documentation of three or more years of professional experience in wound management and all items on the application checklist. Completed applications must be submitted a minimum of 15 business days before your desired exam date.

3. Get Approved and Schedule Your Exam

Once your application has been approved, you will receive a registration notification by email and by mail directly from ABWM’s testing company, Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP). This notification will include your eligibility window for testing and information on how to schedule the time and location of your exam. Candidates will have up to six months to sit for their examination. Exam appointments are offered year-round at over 170 testing centers across the U.S., on a first come, first served basis, based on availability.

4. Sit for Your Exam and Obtain Your Results Immediately

It is important to review AMP’s Testing Center Policies at the end of the Candidate Handbook prior to your exam. Score reports will be generated immediately upon completion of the exam. If you pass, you are eligible to begin using your new credential immediately, and ABWM will provide you with a welcome packet and wall certificate. If you do not pass, you are eligible to retest after 90 days.

5. Maintain Your Certification

ABWM certifications require renewal annually, no later than January 31st each year. There is a $150 annual renewal fee, and a minimum of 6 hours of continuing education related to wound management are required each year. After 10 years, certificants must recertify their credential by sitting for the certification examination.